Eusebeia as Social Respectability Scot McKnight IBR 2023 One term in the Pastoral Epistles [=PEs] will be the focal point of this paper: eusebeia and its cognates (eusebeō, eusebēs, eusebōs, asebeia, asebēs). The NRSV translates this word group with the term “godliness” almost every time but with “religion” or “religious life” twice (1 Tim. 3:16; 5:4). The NIV 2011 knocks out “religion” in 1 Timothy 3:16 and uses “godliness” in all other instances. The CEB uses godliness as well but has “holy living” at 1 Timothy 4:8, 6:11, 2 Timothy 3:12 and “respect” at 5:4 and “religious” in 2 Timothy 3:5. In Ben Witherington’s brief excursus on this term, a kaleidoscope of its nuances becomes visible as he offers a comprehensive, balanced discussion that shows the term points us to both belief and behavior, with special emphasis on reverence.
This provokes all kinds of thoughts about living in our current world, about living for Christ in a time when people outside the church are largely negative toward the church.
Thank you 🙏🏼
This provokes all kinds of thoughts about living in our current world, about living for Christ in a time when people outside the church are largely negative toward the church.